Toast to Travers details set

The Toast to Travers cocktail contest received approximately 140 suggestions for a signature drink for the biggest race of the summer at the Saratoga Race Course. We’ve winnowed the selection down to six finalists, which will be evaluated by a panel of three judges and two bartenders. The finalists will be revealed and a story about the judging will on the cover of the Life-Food section in two weeks (Thursday, Aug. 14). That weekend, probably on Sunday, Aug. 17 (date and time being finalized), I will be at the track to announce the winner of the contest. The winner gets a prize package, and we’re working with the track and Saratoga restaurants to have the drink available before and during Travers weekend.

Fully expecting to be one of the 6 finalists, and ultimately the winner, I would like the members of my team get full credit for their contributions. Our drink is the “Saratoga Bluebird”, and it was created by myself, Bob Quist, Anna Knowles and Mike Fredette. See you on the 17th! la